Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

The Hong Kong Bird Watching SocietyFirst Edition May 2012st

1 Revision October 2012

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Executive Summary
Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island
1.

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society (HKBWS), founded in 1957, is an approved
Charitable Institution of Public Character. It is the leading authority on bird research andconservation in Hong Kong. HKBWS has collected, reviewed and published records on birds
for more than half a century, providing essential information for conservation of habitats andscientific research.

2.

HKBWS appreciates the extension of planning control to Po Toi Island and supports thegeneral planning intention of the Draft Po Toi Islands Development Permission Area (DPA)
Plan.

3.

This document affirms the high ecological value and special scientific interest outlined in the
Explanatory Statement of the DPA, and requests the Town Planning Board to zone a “Site ofSpecial Scientific Interest” on Po Toi Island, and the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong
Special Administrative Region, the Country and Marine Parks Board and Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department to designate Po Toi Islands as Country Park (orSpecial Area) according to the suggestion of the South West New Territories Development
Strategy Review (SWNT DSR) in 2001.

4.

Po Toi Island is the southern-most outlying island in Hong Kong. Owing to its special
geographical location, the lack of disturbance and quality of habitats on the island, Po Toi is a
crucial refuelling stop for migratory birds that is of international importance and of special
scientific value for the study of bird migration in Hong Kong and the East Asian Flyway.

5.

Over 310 species of birds have been recorded on Po Toi Island and its nearby waters, which
is about 60% of the total number of Hong Kong. This includes many rare and globallythreatened species.

6.

Research data shows that Tai Wan, Wan Tsai (near the pier) and Ngong Chong of Po Toi areof high ecological value as they provide essential habitats for migratory birds and many ofthem are of conservation importance. Special attention should be paid to these areas as they
are in proximity to the existing inhabited areas.

7.

This area also supports a natural population of the endemic and endangered Romer’s Tree
Frog (Liuixalus romeri), Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) and a variety of2

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

butterfly species.
8.

The waters around Po Toi are of conservation importance. Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena
phocaenoides) frequent waters in the area. Waglan Island has a breeding colony of terns. The
unspoilt natural setting contributes to the landscape and ecological value of the area.

9.

Po Toi is a popular location for holiday visitors. Recreational activities such as hiking, fishing,bird-watching and wildlife photography are attracting large and growing numbers of visitors
to the island. There are also special cultural activities on Po Toi, which include Chinese
Opera and dragon-boat racing during Festival (太平清醮) and sea-weed collecting. The
designation of Country Park would benefit local residents as well as visitors, by provision of
infrastructure and utilities for the island.

10. Recent unauthorized activities have damaged the landscape and ecological value of the area.
Full Protection of Po Toi is needed to protect its scientific and conservation value fromincompatible developments. The designation of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
would provide essential protection as developments as designated projects would require an
environmental permit.
11. The introduction of planning control alone would not be able to fully protect the environmentof Po Toi and other islands. The designation of Country Park is the best method in order tomanage the activities on the island. Members and the Country and Marine Parks Board andAgriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department are therefore request to designate Po Toi
Islands as Country Park.
12. The conservation of the landscape and ecological value of Po Toi Islands is supported by
Green Groups, visitors and also many residents.
13. The above proposal is an important step towards the targets of the Convention on Biological
Diversity and is in line with the Chief Executive’s Policy Platform for environment protection
and conservation.

3

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Index
1.

Ecological Baseline information of Po Toi (Terrestrial Ecology)
1.1. Description of the study area
1.2. Literature Review
1.3. Results
1.3.1 Habitat Diversity on Po Toi
1.3.2 Avifauna
1.3.3 Amphibians and Reptiles
1.3.4 Mammals
1.3.5 Insects
1.4. Conclusion

P. 6
P. 7
P. 7
P. 7
P. 8
P. 9
P. 10
P. 10
P. 11

2.

Po Toi’s scientific value and conservation with special regard to migratory birds
2.1. Migratory Land Birds
P. 12
2.2. Migratory Sea Birds
P. 14
2.3. Bird species diversity on Po Toi
P. 16
2.3.1 Rare species in Hong Kong recorded at Po Toi
P. 15
2.3.2 Species of Conservation Importance
P. 24
2.3.3 Seasonality of Species Diversity
P. 26
2.4. Migrant ‘Falls’
P. 28
2.5. Scientific value and international importance of Po Toi in migratory birds P. 31
2.5.1 Migration of Internationally threatened species
P. 31
2.5.2 International importance in migratory bird study
P. 33
2.6. Habitats for migratory birds on Po Toi and need of protection
P. 34

3.

Proposed Site of Special Scientific Interest and Country Park Designation
3.1. Assessment Criteria of conservation value
3.2. Results
3.3. Justification of the proposed Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)
3.4. The proposed SSSI

P. 38
P. 38
P. 41
P. 41

Importance of Po Toi Islands and its waters
4.1. Importance of Po Toi Waters and Marine Ecology
4.2. Importance of the Po Toi Islands to breeding terns
4.3. Landscape value of the Po Toi Islands

P. 44
P. 45
P. 46

Recreation, landscape and heritage value of Po Toi
5.1. Island History and population

P. 47

4.

5.

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The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

5.2.
5.3.
5.4.
5.5.
6.

7.

8.

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Landscape and Geology
Cultural heritage
Recreational and educational activities
Transport and utilities

P. 47
P. 47
P. 49
P. 50

Justification for Country Park Designation
6.1. The need of designating Po Toi Islands as Country Park
6.2. Justification of designating Po Toi Islands as Country Park
6.3. Our responsibilities under international conventions
6.4. The Chief Executive’s election manifesto

P. 51
P. 52
P. 54
P. 57

Public Support
7.1. Public support in statutory consultation progress
7.2. Public support in internet campaigns
7.3. Local Support

P. 58
P. 58
P. 58

Conclusion

P. 59

Appendix
APPENDIX I List of birds species recorded on Po Toi and their Conservation statuses

5The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

1.

Ecological Baseline Information of Po Toi (Terrestrial Ecology)

1.1.

Description of the study area

On 2 March 2012, The Town Planning Board gazetted the Draft Po Toi Islands Development
Permission Area Plan (DPA/I-PTI/1). According to the explanatory statement, The generalplanning intention of the plan is “to protect the rural and natural landscape of the area with
scientific importance and high conservation value from encroachment by unauthorised
development and from undesirable change of use. Due consideration should be given to theconservation of the ecologically and environmentally sensitive areas, such as Po Toi, whendevelopment in or near the Area is proposed” 1 . The departments also expressed that there waspotential to designate conservation zonings, including“Conservation Area” (“CA”), “Coastal
Protection Area” (“CPA”) and/or “Site of Special Scientific Interest” (“SSSI”), in the Area
(especially in Po Toi)” 2 The research findings of this paper from HKBWS provide evidence
supporting the scientific importance and high conservation value of the area.
The South West New Territories Development Strategy Review (SWNT DSR) in 2001 3 hasrecommended the designation of Country Park (Figure 1.1) on the Po Toi Islands which
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) has “initially confirmed thepotential” 4 . Findings of this proposal suggest that the recommendation of Country Park
designation should be put forward.

Figure 1.1 Po Toi has been recommended as Country Park in the 2001 SWNT DSR

1

7.2 of the Explanatory Statement of Draft Po Toi Islands Development Permission Area Plan (DPA/I-PTI/1)
72(c) of the Minutes of 1020th Meeting of the Town Planning Board held on 28.9.20123
http://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/comp_s/swnt/final-report/final-report.htm
4
4.4.3.1 of the final report of South West New Territories Development Strategy Review.
6
2

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

1.2

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Literature review

AFCD commissioned HKBWS to produce a ‘Preliminary Study of Bird Migration on Po Toi
Island – Spring 2007’ 5 and this report has been published. The study has continued every year inspring and autumn up to date and provides a wealth of data on migrant birds on Po Toi.
HKBWS has also commenced a study of bird migration on Po Toi Island which started in January
2006 and is still continuing. In the period 2006-2011, the researcher has spent a total of 684 dayson Po Toi, 65% of which were in the key migration seasons of March to May and September toNovember.
Other publications such as the following have been reviewed:- The Hong Kong Bird Reports by the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society;- The Avifauna of Hong Kong by Carey et. al. (2001) 6

1.3

Results

1.3.1

Habitat Diversity on Po Toi

Habitats on Po Toi Island were recorded by on-site observation and aerial photographs. They arelisted in Table. 1.1
Table 1.1

Habitats on Po Toi Island

HabitatLocation

Description

Grassland/Shrubland
MosaicCovering most of the island

Largely natural Grassland andShrubland. Succession maybe
limited by climate (windy), water
availability and hillfires.

Secondary Forest

Southwest proportion of the island,
found behind Tai Wan, Wan Tsai,around Po Toi School and Mo’s Old
House.

Largely natural Secondary Forest
with large Fung Shui Trees such as
Ficus microcarpa and fruit trees
such as Dimocarpus longan.

5Anon, 2007, Preliminary Study on Bird Migration on Po Toi Island (Spring 2007). Report by the Hong Kong Bird

Watching Society to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region Government.
6
G.J. Carey, M.L. Chalmers, D.A. Diskin, P.R. Kennerley, P.J. Leader, M.R. Leven, R.W. Lewthwaite, M.S. Melville,
M. Turnbull, L. Young, 2001, The Avifauna of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Bird Watching Society.
7

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Abandoned
Farmland

Patches are found at the south of Seasonallywetabandoned
Wan Tsai.
farmland, which may have beenused for rice cultivation in the past.
Affected by recent vegetation
clearance and construction of
concrete slabs.

Orchard/Active
Farmland

Small patches are found at Wan Tsai. Small sized farmland and orchard
comprising of mostly banana trees.

Permanent Stream

One is identified behind Tai Wan.

Seasonal Streams

Scattered over valleys of the island Seasonal streams surrounded bysuch as at Wan Tsai and Lau Shui secondary forest/shrubland.
Hang.

Rocky shores

Along most coastlines of the island.

Natural and exposed Rocky shorewith limited vegetation.

Sandy Shore

One is found at Tai Wan.

Sheltered sandy
developed areas.

Coastal Lagoon
intertidal wetland

Developed area

1.3.2

/ One is found at Tai Wan.

Natural,permanent
connecting to the sea.

shore

streamnearbyShallow (<0.5m) lagoon Served bypermanent stream and affected bytidal water. Mangroves are foundon the southward side.

A recognized village at Tai Wan.
Houses are found along the coastfrom Tai Wan up to the Tin Hau
Temple. Scattered houses are foundnear the pier at Wan Tsai.

Developed area with houses,
mostly 1-2 storeys.
Some demolished houses are
overgrown
withvegetation,
including large trees of particular
ecological significance.

Avifauna

More than 310 species has been recorded on Po Toi. Evaluation of their conservation importancehas been carried out according to the following lists which are adopted in Environmental Impact
Assessment Ordinance (EIAO):International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red Data List;The China Red Data Book;

List of Protected Animals in People’s Republic of China;Fellowes et al. (2002). Wild animals to watch: terrestrial and freshwater fauna of8

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Islandconservation concern in Hong Kong.
The following lists have also been included as additional assessments of their conservation
importance:Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora(CITES) appendices I and IIThe Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) appendices I and II
At least 139 species are considered as having conservation importance according to the assessment
methods adopted under EIAO. If the CITES appendices and CMS appendices are also considered,
171 species of birds species recorded on Po Toi are of conservation importance. The list of birds
recorded on Po Toi and their conservation statuses can be found in APPENDIX I.
Detailed information on avifauna is highlighted in Section 3 of this paper.

1.3.3

Amphibians and Reptiles

The diversity of amphibians and reptiles are subject to detailed surveys and literature reviews.
At least two species of conservation importance, Romer’s Tree Frog (Liuixalus romeri) and
Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus) are observed regularly on the island. The locations of
the two species observed by HKBWS are indicated in Figure. 1.2. Habitat improvement measures
have been carried out by the AFCD to improve the breeding success of Romer’s Tree Frog. Moreinformation of the distribution of this species on the island may be provided by AFCD and othernon-government organisations.
Po Toi is especially important for Romer’s Tree Frog as this species is endemic to Hong Kong andoccurs naturally on Po Toi, Lamma, and formerly on Chek Lap Kok (before its habitat wasdestroyed to make way for Hong Kong International Airport. While this species has beensuccessfully translocated into a number of sites in Hong Kong it is essential to main the health ofthe population where it naturally occurs.

9The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Figure 1.2

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Location of Romer’s Tree Frog (Liuixalus romeri) and Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus)
observed by HKBWS.

1.3.4

Mammals

The diversity of mammals is subject to detailed surveys and literature reviews. Two mammal
species are noted by the HKBWS, namely Wild boar (Sus scrofa) and Musk Shrew (Suncus
murinus).

1.3.5

Insects

The diversity of insects is subject to detailed surveys and literature reviews. Red Lacewing(Cethosia biblis), a rare butterfly species in Hong Kong, is regularly observed on Po Toi.

10

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

1.4

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Conclusion

Assessments using different criteria conclude that Po Toi has a high ecological value. This is dueto the diversity of habitats found on the island together with its special geographical location.
Many species of conservation interest including the endangered Romer’s Tree Frog which isendemic to Hong Kong and threatened avifauna such as Swinhoe’s Egret, Japanese Yellow
Bunting, etc. are regular visitors to Po Toi. Po Toi is therefore a globally important site forbiodiversity conservation.
Landscape changes, unfavourable change of land use and loss of habitats would impose significant
impact on the island. These should be strictly controlled and planned with regard to maintaining
the conservation value of Po Toi.
Management of important habitats would be beneficial in terms of maintaining and improving
habitat quality, as well as preventing unfavourable activities (e.g. illegal collection and vegetation
removal).

11The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

2.

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Po Toi’s scientific value and conservation with special regard to
migratory birds

Po Toi Island is the prime site in Hong Kong for observing migratory land birds and seabirds – theequivalent of what Mai Po is for waterbirds and shore birds and Tai Po Kau for forest birds.
However, this has only become known since easier access started in 2005. Po Toi Island had nostatutory protection in the Hong Kong planning system until the Town Planning Board gazetted
the Draft Po Toi Islands Development Permission Area Plan on 2 March 2012.
The reason why Po Toi is a magnet for migratory birds lies in its location as an island in the far
south-east corner of Hong Kong out into the South China Sea, together with the favourable habitat
for migrant birds to rest and refuel created around the old centres of population on the island.

2.1

Migratory Land Birds

Twice each year many millions of landbirds migrate between the tropical areas of east Asia below
latitude 20°N (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, Borneo and the Philippines), where
they winter, and the northern areas above latitude 35°N (Japan, Korea, north and northeast China
and Far East Russia), where they breed, in spring moving north and in autumn moving south.
Their main migration routes in spring and autumn are shown in Figure 2.1 and 2.2 respectively.

Figure 2.1 (Right) & 2.2 (Left)

Landbirds Migration in spring and autumn in south China coastal areas.
12The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Land birds migrate in spring from the south either around the coast or across the South China Sea
and in autumn from the north around the coast. Po Toi lies directly on their migration routes asshown in Figure 2.3 and 2.4.

Figure 2.3 Spring migration route through the area of Po Toi

Figure 2.4 Autumn migration routes through the area of Po Toi
13The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

2.2

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Migratory Seabirds

The southern-most point of Po Toi, Nam Kok Tsui, is the best location in Hong Kong to see
migrating seabirds.
Tens of thousands of seabirds migrate through the South China Sea from wintering grounds in thetropics to breeding grounds off East China, Korea and Japan, in spring moving north and in
autumn returning south. Their migration routes in the South China Sea and the Pearl River Delta
region are shown in Figure 2.5 and Figure 2.6.

Figure 2.5 Seabird Migration in the South China Sea and Pearl River Delta

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The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Figure 2.6 Seabird Migration in the South China Sea and Pearl River Delta

Seabird migration in the Hong Kong area occurs mainly in spring from March to May and in
autumn in September. Three species of terns breed on off-shore islands of Hong Kong including
the nearby Waglan Island.

15

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

2.3

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Bird species diversity on Po Toi

As at 15 October 2012, About 311 species have been observed on Po Toi, which is about 60% of
the current Hong Kong List total of 513. This is a remarkable total for such a small location.

2.3.1

Rare species in Hong Kong recorded at Po Toi

At least 12 Hong Kong First Records of bird species (Table. 2.1 and 2.2) have been recorded on
Po Toi and surrounding waters simce 2005, more than any other single location in Hong Kong
including Mai Po. There is a potential Hong Kong first record in May 2012. In addition, many
more Hong Kong rarities (Table. 2.3 and 2.4) has been recorded at Po Toi.
Table 2.1

Hong Kong First Records and potential first records recorded from or near Po Toi since 2005

Date

Species

Remarks

Photo(Table 2.2)

17 April 2005

Japanese Cormorant

The second HK record was(Phalacrocorax capillatus)

subsequently seen on Po Toi on 4

1

January 2007.
10 March 2006

Orange-breasted Green Pigeon

Hainan endemic subspecies(Treron bicinctus)

domvilii , the first authenticated2

record of this Class II protected
species in China for 30 years.
18 May 2006

Ruddy Kingfisher---(Halcyon coromanda)
4 April 2007

Common Cuckoo

3(Cuculus canorus)
4 April 2007

Red-breasted Flycatcher

4(Ficedula parva)
5 May 2007

Japanese Murrelet

recorded off-shore from Po Toi.

5

(Synthliboramphus wumizusume)
11 December 2007

Hodgson’s Redstart6(Phoenicurus hodgsoni)
19 March 2008

Masked Booby

7(Sula dactylatra)
4 May 2008

White-tailed Tropicbird

recorded offshore from Po Toi(Phaethon lepturus)

16

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The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Date

Remarks

Species

Photo(Table 2.2)

19 October 2008

Zappey's Flycatcher

New Species recently split from

(Cyanoptila cumatilis)

Blue-and-while Flycatcher

9(Cyanoptila cyanomelana) 7
19 November 2009

Red-throated Thrush

the 500th species on the HK List10

1st record of Hong Kong and---(Turdus ruficollis)
24 March 2012

Brown-backed Needletail(Hirundapus giganteus)

Table 2.2

7

stprobably 1 for China

Photos of Hong Kong First Records recorded from or near Po Toi since 2005

1. Japanese Cormorant

2. Orange-breasted Green Pigeon (Treron

3. Common Cuckoo(Phalacrocorax capillatus)

bicinctus)(Cuculus canorus)

4. Red-breasted Flycatcher

5. Japanese Murrelet

6. Hodgson’s Redstart(Ficedula parva)(Synthliboramphus wumizusume)(Phoenicurus hodgsoni)

Leader, P.J. & Carey, G.J. 2012. Zappey’s Flycatcher Cyanoptila cumatilis, a forgotten Chinese breeding endemic.
Forktail 28 (2012), pp. 121-128
17

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

7. Masked Booby

8. White-tailed Tropicbird

9. Zappey’s Flycatcher(Sula dactylatra)(Phaethon lepturus)(Cyanoptila cumatilis)

10. Red-throated Thrush(Turdus ruficollis)

Table 2.3

Rare species and subspecies in Hong Kong recorded on Po Toi

Species

Remarks

Photo(Table 2.4)

Red-throated Loon

third HK record in 20081

Short-tailed Sheawater

recorded annually in spring in small

2(Puffinus tenuirostris)

numbers following the discovery of its(Gavia stellata)

passage through HK waters off Po Toi in
2006.
Brown Booby

four records since 2006

3

Japanese Cormorantsecond HK record in 2007 following the first4(Phalacrocorax capillatus)

also on Po Toi in 1999

(Sula leucogaster)

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The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Species

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island
Remarks

Photo(Table 2.4)

Malayan Night Heronfour records since 2007

5four records since 2006---

three records since 2006

6

Asian Lesser Cuckoo

third and fourth HK records, the first since

7(Cuculus poliocephalus)

1997

Drongo Cuckoo

two further records in 2007 and 2011 after(Surniculus lugubris)the first on Po Toi in 1999

Blue-throated Bee-eatera HK fourth record in 2006

9four records, one in each year since 2008

10

Blue-winged Pitta

second and third HK records in May 2008

11

(Pitta moluccensis)

and 2009

Rosy Pipit

second HK record in 201112

Tiger Shrike

first HK record since 1996 in 2006, another13(Lanius tigrinus)

in 2009

Black Redstart

second HK record in 2011, the first for 16(Phoenicurus ochruros)

years

White-throated Rock Thrush

one in 201015

second HK record in 200616

one in 2009---second HK record in 2006---

Bianchi’s Warbler

third and fourth HK records in 200717

(Seicercus valentini)(over-wintering into 2008) and 2009White-spectacled Warbler

one in 2009 and 201018

sixth HK record in 200919

(Gorsachius melanolophus)
Button-quail sp.
(Turnix sp.)Black-legged Kittiwake(Rissa tridactyla)

8(Merops viridis)
Fairy Pitta(Pitta nympha)(Anthus roseatus)

14(Monticola gularis)
Chinese Thrush(Turdus mupinensis)
Hume’s Leaf Warbler(Phylloscopus humei)
Sulphur-breasted Warbler(Phylloscopus ricketti)(Seicercus affinis)
Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher

19

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Species

Remarks

Photo(Table 2.4)

(Rhinomyias brunneatus)
Narcissus Flycatcher owstoni

second HK record in 2006

20

third and fifth HK records in 2005 and 200921

annual records since the first HK record on

22(Ficedula narcissina owstoni)
Green-backed Flycatcher(Ficedula elisae)
Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)

Po Toi in 2007
Zappey's Flycatcher

first HK record in 200823

seventh HK record in 200924

annual records since 200625

seventh and ninth HK records in 201026

Yellow-throated Bunting

third HK record in 2009, up to eight birds

27(Emberiza elegans)together in autumn with four the following(Cyanoptila cumatilis)
Small Niltava(Niltava macgrigoriae)
Yellow-browed Bunting(Emberiza chrysophrys)
Rustic Bunting(Emberiza rustica)

spring 2010Black-headed Bunting

three records since 2005

28

annual records since 2006

29

annual records since 200630

annual records since 200631

(Emberiza melanocephala)
Brambling(Fringilla montifringilla)
Eurasian Siskin(Carduelis spinus)
Chestnut-cheeked Starling(Sturnus philippensis)
Table 2.4

Photos of Rare species in Hong Kong recored on Po Toi

1. Red-throated Loon

2. Short-tailed Sheawater

3. Brown Booby(Gavia stellata)(Puffinus tenuirostris)(Sula leucogaster)

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The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

4. Japanese Cormorant

5. Malayan Night Heron

6. Black-legged Kittiwake(Phalacrocorax capillatus)(Gorsachius melanolophus)(Rissa tridactyla)

7. Asian Lesser Cuckoo

8. Drongo Cuckoo

9. Blue-throated Bee-eater(Cuculus poliocephalus)(Surniculus lugubris)(Merops viridis)

10. Fairy Pitta

11. Blue-winged Pitta

12. Rosy Pipit(Pitta nympha)(Pitta moluccensis)(Anthus roseatus)

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The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

13. Tiger Shrike

14. Black Redstart

15. White-throated Rock Thrush(Lanius tigrinus)(Phoenicurus ochruros)(Monticola gularis)

16. Chinese Thrush

17. Bianchi’s Warbler

18. White-spectacled Warbler(Turdus mupinensis)(Seicercus valentini)(Seicercus affinis)

Flycatcher

20. Narcissus Flycatcher owstoni

21. Green-backed Flycatcher(Rhinomyias brunneatus)(Ficedula narcissina owstoni)(Ficedula elisae)

22. Red-breasted Flycatcher

23. Zappey’s Flycatcher

24. Small Niltava(Ficedula parva)(Cyanoptila cumatilis)(Niltava macgrigoriae)

19. Brown-chested Jungle

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The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

25. Yellow-browed Bunting

26. Rustic Bunting

27. Yellow-throated Bunting(Emberiza chrysophrys)(Emberiza rustica)(Emberiza elegans)

28. Black-headed Bunting

29. Brambling

30. Eurasian Siskin(Emberiza melanocephala)(Fringilla montifringilla)(Carduelis spinus)

31. Chestnut-cheeked Starling(Sturnus philippensis)

23

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2.3.2

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Species of Conservation ImportanceAt least 139 species recorded on Po Toi are considered to have conservation importance (Section
1.2). Some species listed in IUCN Red List as Vulnerable (Swinhoe’s Egret, Fairy Pitta,
Brown-chested Jungle-flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Bunting and Japanese Yellow Bunting) and
Near-threatened (Japanese Quail, Japanese Paradise Flycatcher) are regularly recorded on Po Toi(Table. 2.5 and 2.6), indicating that Po Toi is an internationally important habitat for threatened
migratory birds.
Table 2.5

Globally threatened species recorded at Po Toi

Species

IUCN

Swinhoe’s Egret(TableStatus

2.6)

VU

VU

VU

Records of birds on migration in 2007 and---Records of birds on migration in 2007 and

---

2008
VU

(Calidris tenuirostris)
Fairy Pitta

1

2009

(Numenius madagascariensis)
Great Knotalmost annual spring passage migrant,
records in 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2011

(Aquila clanga)
Eastern Curlew

Photo

Red List(Egretta eulophotes)
Greater Spotted Eagle

Remarks

Records of birds on migration annually from---2007 to 2011
VU

(Pitta nympha)

almost annual spring and autumn passage

2

migrant, records in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
and 2012

Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher

VU

four records since 2006

3

VU

annual spring passage migrant. The first ever4

(Rhinomyias brunneatus)
Japanese Yellow Bunting(Emberiza sulphurata)

autumn records for HK occurred in 2007 withup to four birds, one of which had been ringed
in Honshu, Japan, 34 days previously

Yellow-breasted Bunting

VU(Gorsachius melanolophus)
Japanese Quailalmost annual passage migrant, records in

5

2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011 and 2012
NT

(Coturnix japonica)

annual autumn passage migrant with one pair---wintering on the south peninsular in winter2009-10Eurasian Curlew

NT(Numenius arquata)
Japanese Paradise Flycatcher

records of birds on migration annually from---2007 to 2011
NT

annual spring and autumn passage migrant(Terpsiphone atrocaudata)
24

6

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Table 2.6

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Photos of Globally threatened species recorded on Po Toi

3. Brown-chested Jungle
1. Swinhoe’s Egret

2. Fairy Pitta

Flycatcher(Egretta eulophotes)(Pitta nympha)(Rhinomyias brunneatus)

4. Japanese Yellow Bunting

5. Yellow-breasted Bunting(Emberiza sulphurata)(Gorsachius melanolophus)\
6. Japanese Paradise Flycatcher(Terpsiphone atrocaudata)

25

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

The locations of Hong Kong first records, rare species and threatened species are marked on
Figure 2.7.

Figure.2.7 Location of rare or threatened bird species.

2.3.3

Seasonality of Species Diversity

The number of land bird and seabird species seen in each week of the year over the period 2006 to2011 is shown in Figure 2.8 and 2.9 This shows that high diversity of up to 100 species could beobserved in a single week, and this may have some implications for management on the island.

26

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Figure 2.8. The Number of Species of Land Bird seen in each week over the period 2006 to 2011

Figure 2.9. The Number of species of Seabird seen in each week over the period 2006 to 201127

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

2.4

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Migrant ‘Falls’

Weather has a serious effect on migrating birds, particularly when land birds flying over the sea
encounter adverse winds and rain. This happens every year in spring when cold fronts or
depressions pass through Hong Kong from the northeast and meet land birds migrating over theSouth China Sea from The Philippines and North Borneo (see Figure 1). These birds are nearing
the end of a 36 hour overseas flight and many are desperate to find land. This results in very large
numbers of birds suddenly appearing on the coast, in particular Po Toi because of its location.
These are called ‘falls’ in ornithology. Typhoons can have a similar effect in both spring andautumn.
In these circumstances, migrants are desperate to reach land and Po Toi is a haven. Many do notreach land and fall into the sea. These occur every year and sometimes create HK record numbersof individual species. Po Toi is a spectacular haven for migrant birds on these occasions, andrecord numbers of many migrant species have been recorded there over the last few years.
The records of Migrant “Falls” are listed in Table. 2.7 and 2.8.
Table 2.7

Records of migrant “falls” on Po Toi

Date

Descriptions

Photo(Table 2.4)thth

15 and 16 Aprila total of over 1,000 Chinese Sparrowhawks (Accipiter soloensis)

1

th

2006

were seen over Po Toi, including 780 on 16 , a HK record day
total

th

24 April 2006

a single flock of over 50 Common Sandpipers (Actitis

2hypoleucos) was in the harbour, a HK record day totalth

25 April 2006

83 Brown Shrikes (Lanius cristatus), a HK record, with individual

3,4

birds all over the southern area and some recovered from thesea in a HKBWS boat trip.
17th May 2006

during the passage of Typhoon Chanchu, over 80 Streaked5

Shearwaters (Calonectris leucomelas), easily a HK record total,
were amongst many seabirds feeding in waters around Po Toi (5)th27 March 2007

939 Red-necked Phalaropes (Phalaropus lobatus) passed thesouth point in a continuous two-hour movement

stnd

1 and 2 April 2008

142 Grey-faced Buzzards (Butastur indicus) passed through Po
Toi including 98 on 2

1st and 2nd Aprilst2008 – 21 May

nd

6,7

(6 and 7)

in a major fall of small bitterns, 44 Yellow Bitterns (Ixobrychussinensis), 29 Schrenck’s Bitterns (Ixobrychus eurhythmus)
28

8,9

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Date

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Descriptions

Photo(Table 2.4)

2008

including a unprecedented flock of 22, 2 Cinnamon Bittern(Ixobrychus cinnamomeus), 8 Black Bitterns (Ixobrychus
flavicollis), 7 Striated Herons (Butorides striata) and a Malayan
Night Heron (Gorsachius melanolophus) and a record count of
89 Brown Shrikes (Lanius cristatus) were all present on theisland in a single dayth

9 September 2010

430 Aleutian Terns (Sterna aleutica) passed the south point

10

following TS Lion Rock, around 5% of the world population of thisspecies (10)10th November 2011at least 16 Blue-and-white Flycatchers (Cyanoptila

11

cyanomelana) were on the Island following TD Banyan.
Table 2.8

Photos of Records of migrant “falls” on Po Toi

1.

2.

3.

4.
29

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

5.

6

7

8.

9.

10

11
30

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

2.5

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Scientific value and international importance of Po Toi in migratory birds

Owing to the diversity of habitats together with its geographical location, Po Toi is therefore acrucial refuelling stop for a remarkable diversity of migratory birds. This consists of rare species
in Hong Kong as well as internationally threatened species. There is no other offshore island inHong Kong that attracts such a diversity of migratory birds.
For example, Po Toi is the location of the Hong Kong first record of the newly recognized species
Zappey's Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cumatilis) which is formerly a subspecies of the Blue-and-white
Flycatcher (Cyanoptila cyanomelana). The record on Po Toi sparked the interest of ornithologists
to study the species in depth, and contributed to the discovery of the species 8 .

2.5.1

Migration of Internationally threatened species

Po Toi is a prime and unique location for studying bird migration. Study of migratory birds
provides information on aspects including migratory route, timing, habitat preference, etc. For
example, a ringed Japanese Yellow Bunting (Emberiza aureola) photographed on Po Toi Island(Figure. 2.10) revealed that it has flown over 3000 km from Japan to Hong Kong over a period of
34 days (Figure 2.11). This provides crucial information for this internationally threatened species,
which is listed in the IUCN as “Vulnerable”.

Figure 2.10

8a ringed Japanese Yellow Bunting (Emberiza aureola) photographed on Po Toi Island

Paul Leader pers. comm..
31

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Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Figure 2.11 Possible migration route of the ringed Japanese Yellow Bunting
32

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2.5.2

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

International importance in migratory bird study

In countries such as United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and USA, bird observatories would be set
up at sites (e.g. Portland Bill, Fair Isle, Isle of May, Lundy Island, Calf of Man, and Spurn Point)
which are important for migratory birds or at prime migration points 9 . A bird observatory is acentre for studying bird migration and bird populations. Bird Ringing and long-term monitoring
would be carried out to provide important scientific information. Some of these sites in the UK
such as Sanda Island, Bardsey Island and Lundy Island are designated as Sites of Special
Scientific Interest.
Po Toi is an important site for migratory birds similar to the above examples, and it would havepermanent bird observatories providing equipments and facilities for bird ringing and research.
The Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) Secretariat suggested that consideration on
migratory species should be incorporated into the Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans under
the Convention on Biological Diversity 10 . Enhanced monitoring and research and establishment ofProtected Areas have been suggested as useful measures 11 . Many of the species recorded on Po
Toi has been listed as Appendix I or II under CMS (refer to APPENDIX I), meaning that they are
in danger of extinction or having unfavourable conservation status, and that enhanced
conservation of the species and their habitats are needed 12 . Po Toi also holds a number of IUCN
threatened species on their migration (refer to Table 2.5). Therefore, Po Toi is of international
importance in conservation on migratory birds.

9

http://www.birdobscouncil.org.uk/
http://www.cbd.int/doc/nbsap/NBSAP-guidelines-CMS.pdf
11
CMS Secretariat, 2011, Guidelines on the Integration of Migratory Species into National Biodiversity Strategies
and Action Plans (NBSAPS).
http://www.cms.int/bodies/COP/cop10/docs_and_inf_docs/doc_27_guidelines_nbsap_e.pdf
12
http://www.cms.int/documents/appendix/cms_app1_2.htm
33
10

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

2.6

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Habitats for migratory birds on Po Toi and need of protection

Birds on migration require places where they can rest and feed to recover and prepare for their
onward flight. Po Toi provides a variety of habitats for different species of birds.
The main areas for land bird migrants are the Fung Shui and old fruiting trees around Tai Wan
village (Figure 2.12), the old school, the pier (Figure 2.13) and out towards the south peninsular
and Mo’s Old House which provide excellent feeding habitat with insects and fruit for small land
birds. It should be noted that the important foraging habitats including several large trees are inproximity to the village and Tai Wan, and is overlapping with scattered houses and old building
plots in Wan Tsai. (Figures 2.14 and 2.15).

Figure 2.12

Tai Wan Village

Figure 2.14 and 2.15

Figure 2.13

The pier

Abandoned Houses overgrown with vegetation and with mature trees in proximity to houses

The lagoon behind the restaurant (Figure 2.16) is the primary location for small bitterns and otherwaterbirds.
34

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Figure 2.16

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Lagoon providing habitats for bitterns and waterbirds, fed by a permanent stream

However, most birds arrive on the south peninsular (Ngong Chong) (Figure 2.17) where they often
make their first stop, subsequently moving through the scrubland between there and the central
area (Figure 2.18) where they find the best feeding areas. These are needs to be protected topreserve the ecological linkage between the landing point and the feeding area near Tai Wan and
Wan Tsai. Besides, Shrubland is an important habitat for migratory land birds as they provide foodsource to them according to a research by Leven (2000) 13 . It may provide feeding habitats for ahigh diversity of migrant passerines such as flycatchers and warblers which may not be detectedby direct observation.

Figure 2.17 Ngong Chong

Figure 2.18 Scrubland between Ngong Chong and Wan Tsai

The scrubland area between the south peninsular and the central area has been very badly affectedby the recent clearance activity, as these before and after photos of the valley bottom (Table 2.9).

13

Leven, M.R., 2000, Shrubland birds in Hong Kong : community structure, seasonality and diet. PhD Thesis, The
University of Hong Kong.
35

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Table 2.9

Before and after comparison of the affected area

BeforeAfter

Seabird migration is best viewed from the south point of Nam Kok Tsui (Figure 2.19), overlooking
the channel between there and the Dangan Islands.

36

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Figure 2.19 Nam Kok Tsui is the best location for theobservation of migrating seabirds

Habitats on Po Toi therefore require high level of protection. Habitat fragmentation and vegetation
removal would lead to undesirable impacts to the ecological value of the island. The introductionof statutory planning control is therefore necessary. More importantly, the designation of Country
Park empowers the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department to carry out managementof habitats and control unfavourable activities (e.g. illegal collection of animals and vegetation
removal).

37

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

3.

Proposed Site of Special Scientific Interest and Country Park Designation

3.1

Assessment Criteria of conservation value

The following assessment criteria, including those recognized locally and internationally, havebeen considered in assessment of the ecological value of Po Toi:
The Ratcliffe (1997) Criteria for assessing nature conservation value (Ratcliffe Criteria) 14 ,



3.2

which is the most widely adopted criteria internationally;
Technical Memorandum for the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap 499)
(EIAO Criteria) 15 ;Hong Kong Countryside Foundation Project Assessment Criteria and Form (HKCF
Criteria) 16 which is an update of the Ratcliffe Criteria and EIAO TM carried out by theHong Kong Countryside Foundarion in 2011.
Results

The assessments demonstrates that the conservation value of Po Toi is very high and is unique inHong Kong, which is in line with the general planning intention of the Draft Po Toi Islands DPA
plan. The assessment is shown in Table. 3.1.

14

Ratcliffe, D.A., 1977, A Nature Conservation Review, Cambridge University Press
EIAO-TM, ANNEX 8.
16
Barretto and Lau (unpublished), 2011, Hong Kong Countryside Foundation Project Assessment Criteria and Form
38
15

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Table 3.1 Assessment of the conservation value of Po Toi using different criteria
Ratcliffe

EIAO Criteria

HKCF Criteria

Po Toi Island

Size

Size

Size

369 hectares

Diversity

Diversity

Diversity

Criteria

Very high diversity (>300
Abundance/

Abundance/Richnes

species) and population ofRichness of

s of species

avifauna especially during

Wildlife

migration season.
Assemblages
Consists of migrants of forest,
wetland and open area
Compared to

speciesregional data
High diversity compared to
Habitat diversity

regional data
High in habitat diversity (2.4.1of this document)

Naturalnes

Naturalness

Naturalness

Largely natural except fors
Raritysmall area of developed area.
RarityRarity of habitats and species,

Many rare and internationallyendemics

threatened bird species arefound on the island.
Natural breeding sites for theendemic and Endangered
Romer’s Tree Frog.
Rare species of butterfly(Cethosia biblis) are regularly
observed.

Recorded

AgeHistory

Recorded

AgeHistory

From about 5 years to morethan 30 years depends on
habitat.

Fragility

Re-creatability

Fragility

Re-creatability

It is nearly impossible tore-create the whole island.

Nursery/

Nursery/Breeding

Breeding ground for Romer’s

Breeding Ground

GroundTree Frog and Rare species ofbutterfly (Cethosia biblis).

39

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Ratcliffe

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

EIAO Criteria

HKCF Criteria

Po Toi Island---

Typicalness

The habitat diversity and(any special combinations)geographical location is

Criteria
Typicalness

unique in Hong Kong.
Position in

Fragmentation

Position inan

Ecological

Ecologicalecological /Linkage

Unit andgeographic

Fragmentation

Fragmentation is negligible on
island.

Ecological Linkage

Function

Act as an important ecologicalal unitlinkage of international
importance for migratory
avifauna, but some taxa
groups are isolated from themainland due to the island
geography.

Intrinsic---

AppealIntrinsic Appeal (landscape,High as the island and its

wilderness, heritage)surrounding is largely natural.
Attractive landscape and rockformations are found on theisland, and heritages such as
rock carvings are found.

Potential

Potential Value

Potential ValueHigh given adequate

Value

protection to allow natural
succession of forest, andhabitat management might bebeneficial to migrant birds andRomer’s Tree Frog.
Overall

Overall Ecological Importance

Ecological Value

Very High and is unique inHong Kong

40

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

3.3

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Justification of the proposed Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)This paper has confirmed that Po Toi has a special scientific interest and is of high conservation
value.
According to Hong Kong Planning Standards and guidelines (HKPSG) Chapter 1017 , “SSSIs may
be land based or marine sites, which are of special interest because of their flora, fauna,geographical or geological features…Departments concerned with planning and development
should be aware of the scientific importance of "SSSIs" and should ensure that due consideration
is given to conservation when development at or near these sites is proposed. The AFCD should be
consulted for any proposed development at or in the proximity of any SSSI.” Such arrangements
in planning would be essential to maintain the “scientific interest and high conservation value” 18
of Po Toi, which is “unique in Hong Kong” 19 as suggested by the Planning Department andconfirmed by this paper. There designation of a SSSI is therefore in line with the General Planning
Intention of the Draft Po Toi DPA plan.
Under the Environmental Impact Ordinance, some developments may constitute as designatedprojects and Environmental Permit is required. This would provide essential protection of thesensitive habitats in minimizing environmental impacts of works on or near ecologically sensitive
habitats.

AFCD advised that the fundamental principles for SSSI selection were the uniqueness andscientific value of the site in a territory-wide context and its representativeness 20 . According to theprevious assessment and information obtained by the HKBWS, Po Toi is qualified as a SSSI
because it has high scientific and conservation value, is internationally important and is unique inHong Kong.

3.4

The proposed SSSIThe planning intention of SSSI is “to conserve and protect the features of special scientific interest
such as rare or particular species of fauna and flora and their habitats, corals, woodlands, marshes
or area of geological, ecological or botanical/biological interest which are designated as Site ofSpecial Scientific Interest (SSSI). It intends to deter human activities or developments within the
17

Hong Kong Planning Standards and guidelines (HKPSG) Chapter 10, available from:http://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/tech_doc/hkpsg/full/ch10/ch10_text.htm
18
7.2 of the Explanatory Statement of Draft Po Toi Islands Development Permission Area Plan (DPA/I-PTI/1)
19
6.1 of the Explanatory Statement of Draft Po Toi Islands Development Permission Area Plan (DPA/I-PTI/1)
20
Minutes of 912th Meeting of the Town Planning Board held at 9.00 am on 30.5.2008
41

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

SSSI. There is a general presumption against development in this zone. No developments are
permitted unless they are needed to support the conservation of the features of special scientificinterest in the SSSI, to maintain and protect the existing character of the SSSI, or for educationaland research purposes.” 21The proposed SSSI (Figure 3.1 and 3.2) covers areas where:
Rare or threatened migrant bird species utilises and forages;
Landing locations for migrant birds and ecological corridors on the island;
Breeding sites and sites with high occurrence of Romer’s Tree Frog and Burmese Python;Figure. 3.1 Boundary of Proposed SSSI

21

Master Schedule of Notes - Site of Special Scientific Interest, available from:http://www.info.gov.hk/tpb/en/forms/Schedule_Notes/msn_sssi_e.pdf
42

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Figure. 3.1 Boundary of Proposed SSSI and Recorded species of conservation interest

Fewer rare of threatened birds are recorded at the southern proportion which is dominated byshrubland. This is probably due to limitations of survey methods, as some migrant passerines
could be cryptic and difficult to be detected unless by mist net trapping. Leven (2000) proved that
direct observation (point count) is “inadequate to detect the full complement of bird species
present in shrubland” 22 . More study using (e.g. using mist-netting) might be required to assess theutilisation and diversity of migratory birds on the shrubland on Po Toi. Nevertheless, it is provedthat the shrubland on Po Toi is providing important linkages for migratory birds and is anindispensable component of the ecosystem. It is also a prime site for studying bird migration.
Therefore, it should also be zoned as SSSI.
However, it should be noted that the proposed SSSI may cover some designated burial grounds.
Special considerations should be given to accompany the traditional needs of indigenous residents
and fishermen based on Po Toi.

22

P.140 of Leven, M.R., 2000, Shrubland birds in Hong Kong : community structure, seasonality and diet. PhD
Thesis, The University of Hong Kong.
43

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

4.

Importance of Po Toi Islands and surrounding waters

4.1

Importance of Po Toi Waters and Marine Ecology

The waters around Po Toi are still relatively unpolluted and support good populations of fish andother wildlife which provide a livelihood and recreational activity for many individuals.
Large shoals of fish can regularly be seen off the south-east coast. Finless Porpoise are common inthese waters, particularly in spring when they migrate through the area, often in family parties
with calves. The harbour at Tai Wan holds fish farms run by the few remaining Po Toi residents.
Professional fishermen use the immediate off-shore with boats coming from Po Toi and Aberdeen
to catch fish and dive for sea urchins. Po Toi residents continue to collect seaweed to dry and sell
to weekend visitors. Recreational fishermen are regular visitors to Po Toi at all seasons and canalways be seen around the harbour, on the shoreline down to Nam Kok Tsui or in small boats off
the south and east coast.
Finless Porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides) (Figure 4.1) is regularly seen from the south point
feeding in small parties off the south east coast of Po Toi in spring. These parties often include
calves. According to the Hong Kong Dolphin Conservation Society, the waters in Po Toi Islands
are regularly visited by finless porpoises 23 . The Humpback Whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
recorded in March 2009 (Figure 4.2) could be regularly seen from the west coast of Po Toi during
its stay in HK waters.

Figure 4.1

Finless Porposie

Figure 4.2

Humpback Whale

The SWNT DSR in 2001 also identifies the coastal waters of Po Toi Islands as Inshore Water
23

http://www.hkdcs.org/assets/files/whales_dolphins/section2_dandw_cihk_finless_poropoises.pdf
44

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Protection/Recreation Areas. The values of the area in terms of their natural coastal features, coral
communities and marine organisms have been recognized. The study also suggests that
low-density recreational developments that are properly managed could be considered for the area.
The Po Toi Islands are suggested to be “significant areas” in both land and marine conservation as
suggested by the Planning Department in 1998 24 (Figure. 4.3). Based on information collected inrecent years, in particular that of migratory birds, Po Toi should be considered as an “unique” area
for conservation.

Figure 4.3

Territorial Development Strategy Review – Broad Conservation Strategy, taken from the SWNTDSR. The Po Toi Islands are suggested to be “significant areas” in marine conservation as suggestedby the Planning Landscape Unit in 1993.

4.2

Importance of the Po Toi Islands to breeding terns

Breeding colonies of terns are found on Waglan Island and Lo Chau Pak Pai. The healthiness ofthe surrounding marine ecosystem is crucial to their breeding success, as they largely depend on
the surrounding waters for foraging. Breeding terns have foraging range from within 2 km of their

24

Section 1.3 of the SWNT DSR, available fromhttp://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/comp_s/swnt/final-report/1introduction.htm
45

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Islandcolonies 25 to up to 15 km 26 . Therefore, the waters surrounding the Po Toi islands are important
foraging areas for breeding terns. They should be protected and managed using an eco-systemapproach under the Convention on Biological Diversity 27 .
4.3

Landscape value of the Po Toi Islands

The Po Toi Islands (Po Toi, Mat Chau, Beaufort Island, Sung Kong and Waglan Island) are of highlandscape value as confirmed by the Planning Department (Landscape Value Mapping of HongKong) in its study completed in 2005. The overall landscape value of these islands as a whole is an
important element of Po Toi’s recreational value.

25

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=800
http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-bin/sprat/public/publicspecies.pl?taxon_id=82845
27
http://www.cbd.int/ecosystem/
46
26

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

5.

Recreation, landscape and heritage value of Po Toi

5.1

Island History and population

Po Toi is a prehistoric site and has a fascinating history over the last 100 years reflecting that ofHong Kong, both pre WWII, during WWII when a Japanese outpost was stationed on the islandand post WWII as a fishing village with over 1000 inhabitants declining through the last decades
into a largely derelict village with a resident population of about 20 28 -100 persons 29 .

5.2

Landscape and Geology

The total area of Po Toi is about 369 hectares. Existing settlements are concentrated in Tai Wan
where there a recognized village and scattered houses are found near the Pier at Wan Chai.
Secondary Forests with large Fung Shui trees are found in Tai Wan and Wan Chai in proximity toexisting settlements and around the old Po Toi School. The rest of the island is covered by rocky
outcrops, shrubs and grass.
The highest accessible peak on Po Toi is 188 metres and a relatively easy walk from Tai Wan Pier.
Spectacular views can be obtained from here on clear days, reaching up to Ma On Shan and Pat
Sing Leng in the north, the Lantau Island peaks in the west, the islands of Wanshan Qundao to thesouth and the South China Sea to the east.
Po Toi is largely granite, and the weathering of the rock has produced several remarkable rockformations which are of great interest to visitors. These include Buddha’s Palm Cliff (Figure. 5.1),
Monk Rock and Tortoise Rock on the south peninsular and Coffin Rock near Ma’s Old House,
which could be accessed via a concrete trail.

5.3

Cultural heritage

A Spring Festival (太平清醮) including Chinese Opera and dragon-boat racing in the harbour isheld every year in April. This attracts thousands of visitors (Figure. 5.2).
Seaweed is also a famous product from Po Toi. Seaweed is being collected along the shore and isdried under the sun.

28
29

HKBWS observation
7.3 of the Explanatory Statement of Draft Po Toi Islands Development Permission Area Plan (DPA/I-PTI/1)
47

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

The rock carvings on Po Toi are declared monuments which are believed to be more than 3000
years old.

Figure 5.1

Buddha’s Palm Cliff, one of several spectacular rock formations on Po Toi

Figure 5.2 the harbour on Festival Day
48

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

5.4

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Recreational and educational activities

Wildlife photographers and bird watchers are very regular visitors to Po Toi, especially during thepeak season for bird migration in spring and autumn. The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
organises outing activities to Po Toi and nearby waters during spring and autumn (Figure 5.3).

Figure 5.3 HKBWS organises bird-watching outings to Po Toi Island

Professional and recreational fishermen use the waters around Po Toi in large numbers.
Po Toi has largely unpolluted air and is far from bright lights at night, making it ideal forstar-watchers and amateur astronomers.
Hiking and eco-tour groups, individual or organized, are regular, sometimes in large numbers
particularly at weekends from spring to autumn. The Tsui Wah and Yau Ma Tei Ferry Companies
operate weekly guided tours through the accessible southern part Po Toi between spring andautumn. Many casual visitors come to Po Toi from spring to autumn and the island can often bequite crowded, particularly at weekends and on festival days such as Ching Ming.
School groups are often seen on organized day trips.

49

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

5.5

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Transport and utilities

Regular Ferry services are operated by the Tsui Wah Ferry Service on Tuesdays, Thrusdays,
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. Addition boat services may be provided by the company
such as during Spring Festival.
The Ming Kee Restaurant and other smaller cafes around the harbour are all popular and local
residents sell snacks, drinks, local dried seaweed and other products to the visitors.
A public toilet is available at Tai Wan and portable toilets are provided near the pier at Wan Tsai as
well as at Ngong Chong.
Water and electricity supply is limited and not stable in the island. If Country Park is designated,
the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department would be responsible for provision ofrecreation and education facilities 30 . The designation would thus benefit both local residents andvisitors, by provision of necessary infrastructures as well as increasing the number of tourists andvisitors.

30

http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_lea/the_facts.htm
50

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

6.

Justification for Country Park Designation

6.1

The need of designating Po Toi Islands as Country ParkThe introduction of planning control under the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) alone would
not be adequate to fully protect the conservation value of Po Toi Islands. Activities that do notconstitute a change in land use, such as clearance of vegetation, would not require planningapproval from the Town Planning board. The designation of Country Park allows the Agriculture,
Fisheries and Conservation Department to manage the site and control such activities under theCountry Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208). This is essential in order to maintain the ecological value ofthe islands.
The department is also responsible to deploy resources to improve and manage the facilities on Po
Toi Islands if they are designated as Country Park. This would benefit both residents and visitors
and the environmental impact of provision or maintenance of facilities would be minimized under
the supervision of the department. At present, rural small projects are approved by the District
Council and co-ordinated by the Home Affairs Department under the District Minor Works (DMW)
programme. The department and district councils often have limited knowledge on the protectionof the sensitive environment, and concerns have been raised by Green Groups about the damage
on environment by these works. For example, a work on Po Toi could be more environmental
friendly if the work has avoided wet season which is unfavourable for work (Figure 6.1). These
small projects would be more environmentally friendly and carefully planned if they are under the
direct supervision of AFCD and the Country and Marine Parks Board.

Figure 6.1 A work carried out by the Home Affairs Department in 2012, which introduced disturbances to theenvironment and migratory birds.
51

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

6.2

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Justification of designating Po Toi Islands as Country ParkThe South West New Territories Development Strategy Review (SWNT DSR) in 2001 hasrecommended the designation of Country Park. Po Toi is suitable for the designation of Country
Park based on the Principles and Criteria for the Designation of New Country Parks, AFCD
(2011) 31 (Table 6.1):
Table 6.1

Table showing that Po Toi Islands meet the criteria for designation of country parks

Principles and Criteria for the Designation of

Po Toi Islands

New Country Parks(AFCD 2011)
I. Intrinsic Criteria
A. Conservation value“Areas with features of special biological,

As listed in table 3.1 of this document, Po Toi

geological or historical interest or the presence

Islands supports a high diversity of species ofof representative species or habitats of theconservation interest which are special and uniqueterritory have high conservation value, thusin Hong Kong, including internationally threatened

deserving special care and protection by

species such as Romer’s Tree Frog and migratory

designating them as country parks”.

birds. The area is therefore high in conservation
value and unique in Hong Kong, thus deserve
special care and protection.

B. Landscape and aesthetic value(a) degree of naturalness(a) Po Toi Islands are largely natural with limited
village development on Tai Wan, Po Toi.

(b) scenic quality(b) The scenic quality have been recognized by the
Planning Department in a territory-wide landscapemapping study.

(c) the integrity, completeness, uniqueness of(c) The Po Toi Islands constitute a complete island

the topography

landscape.

(d) presence of distinctive, representative(d) There are many geological features found on

features of visual interest

Po Toi, including many famous rock formations
such as Turtle Rock and Buddha’s Palm.

(e) effect or urban development and presence of(e) Po Toi Islands is a group of remote islands away

eyesoresfrom urbanised areas. Apart from the areas31

http://www.afcd.gov.hk/english/aboutus/abt_adv/files/common/WP_CMPB_6_2011eng.pdf
52

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Principles and Criteria for the Designation of

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island
Po Toi Islands

New Country Parks(AFCD 2011)
affected by recent suspected unauthorizeddevelopments, significant eyesores is absent.
The Po Toi Islands therefore have high landscapeand aesthetic value.
C. Recreational Potential“..Usually, areas with potential to provide an

Po Toi Island is served by ferry service and is a

optimal range of informal outdoor recreation forfamous holiday destination for outdoor recreational

the general public are considered suitable asactivities such as hiking, wildlife watching andcountry parks…”

photography. These existing activities arecompatible with the conservation of the biodiversity
on the island. The recreational potential of the
Po Toi Island is considered high.

II. Demarcation Criteria
A. Size
A country park usually comprises an extensive

The Po Toi Islands covers a total area of 550ha andarea of land of a continuous nature. Small or

the Po Toi Island is about 370ha. It is smaller thanfragmented pockets of land not contiguous to

the average size of a country park (1800ha) but

existing country parks may not be suitable to belarger than the average of a special area (100ha).

developed as country parks.
B. Proximity to existing Country Parks

Po Toi Islands is located in the South-east of HongKong. The closest country park is the Shek O
Country Park which is about 2km from Beaufort
Island and 3km from Po Toi.

C. Land status

Most of the land on Po Toi Islands aregovernment land. Patches of private land arefound in Tai Wan and Wan Tsai of Po Toi.

D. Land use compatibility

Apart from a small rural village and settlements on
Tai Wan and Wan Tsai of Po Toi, the remaining of
Po Toi Islands are largely natural and undeveloped.
It is considered the land uses are compatible
with the Country Park Setting.

III. Protection Measures
A. Country Park or Special area under the

Although the Po Toi Islands are largely government

Country Parks Ordinanceland, there are also small areas of private land on
Po Toi which are of high ecological value. They
form an integral part of the natural environment.
53

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Principles and Criteria for the Designation of

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island
Po Toi Islands

New Country Parks(AFCD 2011)
Unfavourable developments would cause habitat
loss and off-site disturbances, which would
adversely affect the biodiversity and landscapevalue. In order to protect the integrity of theenvironment, and that Po Toi serves the purposesof nature conservation, countryside recreation andnature education, it is suggested that the Po Toi
Islands should be designated as Country Park.
B. Statutory plans under the Town Planning

The Po Toi Islands Development Permission Area

Ordinacnce

Plan serves as an interim measure to control
incompatible developments. It is considered that
Po Toi Islands meets the criteria of Country Parks
and thus should be designated as a Country Park.

Conclusion

The Po Toi Islands meet all of the Intrinsic
Criteria and most of the Demarcation Criteria
for country park designation.

6.3

Our responsibilities under international conventions

The Convention of Biological Diversity (CBD) has been extended to Hong Kong in May 2011.
Under the convention, the designation of Po Toi Islands as Country Park is in line with the targetsof the convention (Table 6.2) :Table 6.2

Table showing that designation of Country Park and relevant CBD articles and targets

Article Text / Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Designating Po Toi Islands asCountry Park would:

Article 8. In situ Conservation

32(a) Establish a system of protected areas or areas where

Designate natural habitats which

special measures need to be taken to conserve biologicalsupports a rich biodiversity as adiversity;

protected area and enrich Hong Kong’s
Country Park Network;(b) Develop, where necessary, guidelines for the selection,

Allow active and resourced

establishment and management of protected areas or

management measures as a protectedareas where special measures need to be taken to

area for conservation of biodiversity;

conserve biological diversity;32

http://www.cbd.int/convention/articles/?a=cbd-08
54

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Article Text / Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Designating Po Toi Islands asCountry Park would:(c) Regulate or manage biological resources important for

Allow active and resourced

the conservation of biological diversity whether within or

management measures as a protected

outside protected areas, with a view to ensuring theirarea for conservation of biodiversity;

conservation and sustainable use;(d) Promote the protection of ecosystems, natural habitats

Allow active and resourced

and the maintenance of viable populations of species inmanagement measures carried out by

natural surroundings;

the authority to conserve internationally
important species;(e) Promote environmentally sound and sustainable

Regulate developments under thedevelopment in areas adjacent to protected areas with asupervision of the Country and Marine

view to furthering protection of these areas;

Parks Board, and protect the islands
from urban developments; Promotesustainable developments such as
eco-toursim(h) Prevent the introduction of, control or eradicate those

Allow management measures to control

alien species which threaten ecosystems, habitats oractivities which may introduce exotic

species;

species to Po Toi Islands;(i) Endeavour to provide the conditions needed for

Provide necessary infrastructure orcompatibility between present uses and the conservation

facilities for the sustainable useof biological diversity and the sustainable use of its(recreational use) and regulatecomponents;

compatible activtities/land uses on Po
Toi;(k) Develop or maintain necessary legislation and/or otherProtect the sensitive habitats supporting

regulatory provisions for the protection of threatened

threatened species in terms of statutory

species and populations;protection under Country Park
Ordinance;

Article 11. Incentive Measures 33
Each Contracting Party shall, as far as possible and as

Promote sustainable use of biodiversity

appropriate, adopt economically and socially soundresources (e.g. eco-tourism) on themeasures that act as incentives for the conservation andislands which would be beneficial forsustainable use of components of biological diversity.

local residents;

Article 13. Public Education and Awareness 34(a) Promote and encourage understanding of thePromote the conservation ofimportance of, and the measures required for, thebiodiversity, in particular Romer’s Tree

33
34

http://www.cbd.int/convention/articles/?a=cbd-11
http://www.cbd.int/convention/articles/?a=cbd-13
55

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Article Text / Aichi Biodiversity Targets

Designating Po Toi Islands asCountry Park would:

conservation of biological diversity, as well as its

Frog, migratory birds and butterflies

propagation through media, and the inclusion of theseusing educational means, e.g.

topics in educational programmes;

information boards, nature education
walks, guided tours, etc;

Aichi Biodiversity Targets

35

Target 5:
By 2020, the rate of loss of all natural habitats, including

Control activities such as vegetation

forests, is at least halved and where feasible brought close

clearance under Country Parks

to zero, and degradation and fragmentation is significantly

Ordinance and offer statutory protection

reduced.

for the islands in order to prevent habitat
loss;

Target 9:
By 2020, invasive alien species and pathways are

Prevent and control exotic species

identified and prioritized, priority species are controlled or

which may adversely impact native

eradicated, and measures are in place to manage

biodiversity on the Island throughpathways to prevent their introduction and establishment.

management plans;

Target 11
By 2020, at least 17 per cent of terrestrial and inland water,

Enhance Hong Kong’s protected areaand 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, especially

network by protecting the Po Toi Islands

areas of particular importance for biodiversity andwhich is of unique conservation

ecosystem services, are conserved through effectively and(biodiversity and landscape) value andequitably managed, ecologically representative and wellis internationally important;connected systems of protected areas and other effectivearea-based conservation measures, and integrated into
the wider landscapes and seascapes.
Target 12
By 2020 the extinction of known threatened species has

Adequately Protect the habitats ofbeen prevented and their conservation status, particularly

threatened species (e.g. Romer’s Treeof those most in decline, has been improved andFrog) and allow active management

sustained.

measures to protect these species fromextinction.

35

http://www.cbd.int/sp/targets/
56

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

6.4

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

The Chief Executive’s election manifesto

The designation of Po Toi Islands as Country Park is in line with Policy Platform of Environment
Protection and Conservation of the Chief Executive’s election manifesto 36 :The Chief Executive’s election manifesto on

Designating Po Toi Islands as Country

Environment Protection and Conservation

Park would:(a) re-examine our environmental protection policy from

Promote sustainable use of our natural

the perspective of sustainable development, takeresources, improve our living quality

effective measures to provide a high quality living

through conserving the important habitats

environment for the community and build Hong Kong intoand landscape for the enjoyment of Honga modern livable city; (P.67)

Kong People in the future, and is an
important step for Hong Kong to become
the top city in Asia in terms ofEnvironmental Protection by fulfilling therequirements of the Convention on
Biological Diversity.

11. Examine the 2004 Nature Conservation Policy inbe an responsibility of Hong Kong underaccordance with the Convention on Biological Diversity

international conventions such as theand formulate a comprehensive package of nature

Convention on Biological Diversity, andconservation policies in line with new circumstances. We

would also help to conserve locally or

will also compile an endangered species register andinternationally endangered species;

draw up corresponding protective measures; (P. 69)
12. We will refine the conservation and development offurther develop our Country Park network,

our country parks, extend coastal parks by phases, andpromote sustainable development anddevelop other kinds of reserves to expand the ecologicalexpand the ecological capacity of Hongcapacity of Hong Kong; (P.69)

Kong;

13. We will take steps to protect outstanding natural

Protect the remote islands with is ofscenery as one of our nature conservation objectives,

outstanding natural landscape with theidentify places of high scenic value in the territory anddesignation of CP is most appropriate andadopt appropriate protective measures; (P.69)

comprehensive protection measure;

36

Leung, C.Y., 2012, Manifesto for the Chief Executive Election 2012: One Heart, One Vision
57

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

7.

Public and local support

7.1

Public support in statutory consultation progress

During the exhibition period of the Draft Po Toi Islands Development Permission Area Plan, 82
representations and 619 comments supporting the plan were received by the Town Planning
Board 37 , including 12 Green Groups and Concern Groups. Most of these comments are supportingthe conservation of biodiversity and landscape of the Po Toi Islands and raised concerns about thesuspected unauthorized developments in the area.
7.2

Public support in internet campaigns

Up to 15 October 2012, there are more than 750 “likes” on the “支持蒲台郊野公園 Support Po
Toi Country Park” Facebook Page 38 . Many members of the public showed their concern on theisland and shared their views and findings on the facebook page.
7.3

Local Support

A number of Po Toi residents and villagers also supported the conservation of Po Toi’s
environment and expressed deep concern on the suspected columbarium development. They havepresented their views during the Town Planning Board hearing for the Draft Po Toi Islands
Development Permission Area Plan on 28 September 2012, and prepared banners (Figure 6.1)
expressing their concern.

Figure 6.1 One of the banners prepared by villagers being put on Po Toi Island
37
38

Minutes of 1020th Meeting of the Town Planning Board held on 28.9.2012
http://www.facebook.com/SupportPoToi
58

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

8.

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Conclusion

Po Toi has high conservation value and scientific value which is unique in Hong Kong. Therefore,
important habitats for migratory birds, Romer’s Tree Frog and rare butterflies should be zoned as“Site of Special Scientific Interest” to reflect their conservation value.
Other areas such as hillside grassland and shrub land on Ngong Chong and the North-eastern partof the island should be protected because they are also important stop-over points for many
migratory birds. These also include areas where special rock formations are found, where changes
to landscape may have impacts on them.
The proposed SSSI is in line with the general planning intention of the Draft DPA and is essential
for the conservation of Po Toi which is internationally important in biodiversity conservation.
Village-type development zone should be carefully designated so that they would not have anegative impact on ecologically sensitive areas.
Given the recreational, ecological, cultural and landscape value of the Po Toi Islands, designationof Country Park or Special Area are favourable options for the island. The designation has beensuggested by the Planning Department in 2001 and supported by AFCD. This would protect theconservation value of Po Toi Islands and allow biodiversity management in order to conserve andimprove Po Toi’s ecological value. The designation would benefit residents by the provision ofnecessary infrastructures as well as attracting more tourists and visitors.
The above proposal is supported by the Government, the general public and many local villagers.
It is an important step towards the targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity and is in linewith the Chief Executive’s Policy Platform for environment protection and conservation.

59

The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society

Proposal for a Site of Special Scientific Interest andSupport for Country Park Designation on Po Toi Island

Published by
The Hong Kong Bird Watching Society
14/F, Ruby Commercial Building
480 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
Tel: 2377 4387
Fax: 2314 3687
E-mail: hkbws@hkbws.org.hk
Website: http://www.hkbws.org.hk/
First edition May 2012
1st Revision October 2012

Authors
Geoff WELCH, Mike KILBURN, CHENG Nok Ming

Special thanks
The HKBWS would like to thank Mr. Ruy Barretto S.C. who provided valuable insights andtechnical advice on this document, and the following individuals who assisted in the completion ofthis paper:Photographers:
Allen Chan, Peter Chan, Cheng Nok Ming, Owen Chiang, H. F. Cheung, Pippen Ho, Eliza Hui,
Eling Lee, Aaron and Brenda Lo, C. W. So, Geoff Welch, Ondy Wong and Peter and Michelle
Wong.
“Support Po Toi Country Park” logo designed by:
MaoMorning

Disclaimer
The copyright of the contents of this paper belongs to the Hong Kong Bird Watching Society.
The copyrights of the photos used in this paper belong to their respective owners. Copying orRedistributing without permission from the respective copyright owners is strictly prohibited.
60

APPENDIX I

List of birds species recorded on Po Toi and their Conservation statuses

No.

English Name

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48

Japanese Quail
GarganeyEurasian Teal
Red-breasted Merganser
Red-throated Loon
Streaked Shearwater
Short-tailed Shearwater
Little Grebe
Great Crested Grebe
White-tailed Tropicbird
Black Stork
Yellow Bittern
Von Schrenck's Bittern
Cinnamon BitternBlack Bittern
Malayan Night Heron
Black-crowned Night Heron
Striated Heron
Chinese Pond Heron
Eastern Cattle Egret
Grey Heron
Purple Heron
Eastern Great Egret
Intermediate Egret
Little Egret
Pacific Reef Heron
Swinhoe's Egret
Lesser Frigatebird
Masked Booby
Brown Booby
Great CormorantJapanese CormorantWestern Osprey
Black Baza
Crested Honey Buzzard
Black-winged Kite
Black Kite
White-bellied Sea Eagle
Crested Serpent Eagle
Eastern Marsh Harrier
Crested Goshawk
Chinese Sparrowhawk
Japanese Sparrowhawk
Besra
Eurasian Sparrowhawk
Grey-faced Buzzard
Eastern Buzzard
Greater Spotted Eagle

Scientific Name
Coturnix japonica
Anas querquedula
Anas crecca
Mergus serrator
Gavia stellata
Calonectris leucomelas
Puffinus tenuirostris
Tachybaptus ruficollis
Podiceps cristatus
Phaethon lepturus
Ciconia nigra
Ixobrychus sinensis
Ixobrychus eurhythmus
Ixobrychus cinnamomeus
Dupetor flavicollis
Gorsachius melanolophus
Nycticorax nycticorax
Butorides striata
Ardeola bacchus
Bubulcus coromandus
Ardea cinerea
Ardea purpurea
Ardea modesta
Egretta intermedia
Egretta garzetta
Egretta sacra
Egretta eulophotes
Fregata ariel
Sula dactylatra
Sula leucogaster
Phalacrocorax carbo
Phalacrocorax capillatus
Pandion haliaetus
Aviceda leuphotes
Pernis ptilorhynchus
Elanus caeruleus
Milvus migrans
Haliaeetus leucogaster
Spilornis cheela
Circus spilonotus
Accipiter trivirgatus
Accipiter soloensis
Accipiter gularis
Accipiter virgatus
Accipiter nisus
Butastur indicus
Buteo japonicus
Aquila clanga

Chinese Name
鵪鶉
白眉鴨
綠翅鴨
紅胸秋沙鴨
紅喉潛鳥
白額鸌
短尾鸌
小鸊鷉
鳳頭鸊鷉
白尾鸏
黑鸛
黃葦鳽
紫背葦鳽
栗葦鳽
黑鳽
黑冠鳽
夜鷺
綠鷺
池鷺
牛背鷺
蒼鷺
草鷺
大白鷺
中白鷺
小白鷺
岩鷺
黃嘴白鷺
白斑軍艦鳥
藍臉鰹鳥
褐鰹鳥
普通鸕鷀
暗綠背鸕鷀
鶚
黑冠鵑隼
鳳頭蜂鷹
黑翅鳶
黑鳶
白腹海鵰
蛇鵰
白腹鷂
鳳頭鷹
赤腹鷹
日本松雀鷹
松雀鷹
雀鷹
灰臉鵟鷹
普通鵟
烏鵰

IUCN Red List Status

China Red Data Book

PRC Protected
AnimalCITES

Near Threatened

Convention on
Fellowes et al. (2002)*
Migratory Species
LC
Appendix II
Appendix II
RC
Appendix II
LC

LC
RC
Endangered

Appendix II

I

Appendix II

RC
LC
RC
LC
LC

Endangered

Vulnerable

Rare
Endangered

II
II

Vulnerable

II
II

Appendix I

LC
LC
RC
LC
PRC
RC
RC
RC
RC
LC
GC

PRC
Rare
Rare
Vulnerable
Vulnerable
Indeterminate
Vulnerable
Rare

Rare
Vulnerable

Rare

Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II

II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II
II

Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix I

RC
LC
LC
RC
RC
LC
LC

GC

APPENDIX I

No.
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96

List of birds species recorded on Po Toi and their Conservation statuses

English Name
Bonelli's Eagle
Common Kestrel
Amur Falcon
Eurasian Hobby
Peregrine Falcon
Slaty-breasted Rail
Brown Crake
White-breasted Waterhen
Baillon's Crake
Ruddy-breasted Crake
Watercock
Common Moorhen
Yellow-legged Buttonquail
Barred ButtonquailBlack-winged Stilt
Grey-headed Lapwing
Pacific Golden Plover
Grey Plover
Little Ringed Plover
Kentish Plover
Lesser Sand Plover
Greater Sand Plover
Pheasant-tailed Jacana
Eurasian Woodcock
Pintail Snipe
Common Snipe
Bar-tailed Godwit
WhimbrelEurasian Curlew
Eastern Curlew
Common Redshank
Marsh Sandpiper
Common Greenshank
Green Sandpiper
Wood Sandpiper
Grey-tailed Tattler
Terek Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Ruddy Turnstone
Great Knot
Red KnotSanderling
Red-necked Stint
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper
Curlew Sandpiper
Red-necked Phalarope
Oriental Pratincole
Black-legged Kittiwake

Scientific Name
Aquila fasciata
Falco tinnunculus
Falco amurensis
Falco subbuteo
Falco peregrinus
Gallirallus striatus
Amaurornis akool
Amaurornis phoenicurus
Porzana pusilla
Porzana fusca
Gallicrex cinerea
Gallinula chloropus
Turnix tanki
Turnix suscitator
Himantopus himantopus
Vanellus cinereus
Pluvialis fulva
Pluvialis squatarola
Charadrius dubius
Charadrius alexandrinus
Charadrius mongolus
Charadrius leschenaultii
Hydrophasianus chirurgus
Scolopax rusticola
Gallinago stenura
Gallinago gallinago
Limosa lapponica
Numenius phaeopus
Numenius arquata
Numenius madagascariensis
Tringa totanus
Tringa stagnatilis
Tringa nebularia
Tringa ochropus
Tringa glareola
Tringa brevipes
Xenus cinereus
Actitis hypoleucos
Arenaria interpres
Calidris tenuirostris
Calidris canutus
Calidris alba
Calidris ruficollis
Calidris acuminata
Calidris ferruginea
Phalaropus lobatus
Glareola maldivarum
Rissa tridactyla

Chinese Name
白腹隼鵰
紅隼
阿穆爾隼
燕隼
遊隼
灰胸秧雞
紅腳苦惡鳥
白胸苦惡鳥
小田雞
紅胸田雞
董雞
黑水雞
黃腳三趾鶉
棕三趾鶉
黑翅長腳鷸
灰頭麥雞
太平洋金斑鴴
灰斑鴴
金眶鴴
環頸鴴
蒙古沙鴴
鐵嘴沙鴴
水雉
丘鷸
針尾沙錐
扇尾沙錐
斑尾塍鷸
中杓鷸
白腰杓鷸
紅腰杓鷸
紅腳鷸
澤鷸
青腳鷸
白腰草鷸
林鷸
灰尾漂鹬
翹嘴鷸
磯鷸
翻石鷸
大濱鷸
紅腹濱鷸
三趾濱鷸
紅頸濱鷸
尖尾濱鷸
彎嘴濱鷸
紅頸瓣蹼鷸
普通燕鴴
三趾鷗

IUCN Red List Status

China Red Data BookRare

PRC Protected
AnimalCITES
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix I

II
II
II
II
II

Convention on
Fellowes et al. (2002)*
Migratory Species
Appendix II
RC
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
LCAppendix II
LC
RC
LC

LC
RC

Indeterminate
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II

Near Threatened
Vulnerable

Vulnerable

Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II

RC
LC
LC
RC
LC
RC
LC
RC
LC

LC
LC
RC
LC
RC
RC
RC
LC
LC
RC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
RC
LC

APPENDIX I

No.
97
98
99
100
101
102
103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
120
121
122
123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144

List of birds species recorded on Po Toi and their Conservation statuses

English Name
Black-tailed Gull
Vega Gull
Caspian Gull
Slaty-backed Gull
Heuglin's Gull
Gull-billed Tern
Caspian Tern
Greater Crested Tern
Little Tern
Aleutian Tern
Bridled Tern
Sooty Tern
Roseate Tern
Black-naped Tern
Common Tern
Whiskered Tern
White-winged Tern
Pomarine Skua
Parasitic Jaeger
Long-tailed Jaeger
Ancient Murrelet
Oriental Turtle DoveRed Turtle DoveSpotted Dove
Common Emerald Dove
Orange-breasted Green Pigeon
Greater Coucal
Lesser Coucal
Chestnut-winged Cuckoo
Asian Koel
Plaintive Cuckoo
Square-tailed Drongo Cuckoo
Large Hawk Cuckoo
Northern Hawk Cuckoo
Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo
Lesser Cuckoo
Indian Cuckoo
Oriental (Horsfield's) Cuckoo
Common Cuckoo
Collared Scops Owl
Oriental Scops Owl
Eurasian Eagle Owl
Northern Boobook
Grey Nightjar
Savanna Nightjar
Himalayan Swiftlet
White-throated Needletail
Silver-backed Needletail

Scientific Name
Larus crassirostris
Larus vegae
Larus cachinnans
Larus schistisagus
Larus fuscus
Gelochelidon nilotica
Hydroprogne caspia
Thalasseus bergii
Sternula albifrons
Onychoprion aleuticus
Onychoprion anaethetus
Onychoprion fuscatus
Sterna dougallii
Sterna sumatrana
Sterna hirundo
Chlidonias hybrida
Chlidonias leucopterus
Stercorarius pomarinus
Stercorarius parasiticus
Stercorarius longicaudus
Synthliboramphus antiquus
Streptopelia orientalis
Streptopelia tranquebarica
Spilopelia chinensis
Chalcophaps indica
Treron bicinctus
Centropus sinensis
Centropus bengalensis
Clamator coromandus
Eudynamys scolopaceus
Cacomantis merulinus
Surniculus lugubris
Hierococcyx sparverioides
Hierococcyx hyperythrus
Hierococcyx nisicolor
Cuculus poliocephalus
Cuculus micropterus
Cuculus optatus
Cuculus canorus
Otus lettia
Otus sunia
Bubo bubo
Ninox scutulata
Caprimulgus jotaka
Caprimulgus affinis
Aerodramus brevirostris
Hirundapus caudacutus
Hirundapus cochinchinensis

Chinese Name
黑尾鷗
織女銀鷗
黃腳銀鷗
灰背鷗
灰氏銀鷗
鷗嘴噪鷗
紅嘴巨鷗
大鳳頭燕鷗
白額燕鷗
白腰燕鷗
褐翅燕鷗
烏燕鷗
粉紅燕鷗
黑枕燕鷗
普通燕鷗
鬚浮鷗
白翅浮鷗
中賊鷗
短尾賊鷗
長尾賊鷗
扁嘴海雀
山斑鳩
火斑鳩
珠頸斑鳩
綠翅金鳩
橙胸綠鳩
褐翅鴉鵑
小鴉鵑
紅翅鳳頭鵑
噪鵑
八聲杜鵑
烏鵑
大鷹鵑
北方鷹鵑
霍氏鹰鹃
小杜鵑
四聲杜鵑
霍氏[中]杜鵑
大杜鵑
領角鴞
紅角鴞
雕鴞
鷹鴞
普通夜鷹
林夜鷹
短嘴金絲燕
白喉針尾雨燕灰喉針尾雨燕IUCN Red List Status

China Red Data Book

PRC Protected
AnimalCITES

Convention on
Fellowes et al. (2002)*
Migratory Species
LC
LC
LC
RC
Appendix II

LC
LC
LC
LC

Vulnerable

Vulnerable
Rare
Vulnerable
Vulnerable

Rare

II
II
II

Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II

II
II
II
II

RC
LC

II

APPENDIX I

No.
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172
173
174
175
176
177
178
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192

List of birds species recorded on Po Toi and their Conservation statuses

English Name
Brown-backed Needletail
Pacific SwiftHouse Swift
Oriental Dollarbird
Ruddy Kingfisher
White-throated Kingfisher
Black-capped Kingfisher
Common Kingfisher
Blue-tailed Bee-eater
Blue-throated Bee-eater
Eurasian Hoopoe
Eurasian Wryneck
Fairy Pitta
Blue-winged Pitta
Black-winged Cuckooshrike
Swinhoe's Minivet
Ashy Minivet
Grey-chinned Minivet
Scarlet Minivet
Tiger Shrike
Bull-headed Shrike
Brown Shrike
Long-tailed Shrike
Black-naped Oriole
Black Drongo
Ashy Drongo
Hair-crested Drongo
Black-naped Monarch
Asian Paradise-Flycatcher
Japanese Paradise-Flycatcher
Red-billed Blue Magpie
Eurasian Magpie
Large-billed Crow
Great Tit
Eurasian Skylark
Oriental Skylark
Red-whiskered Bulbul
Chinese Bulbul
Sooty-headed Bulbul
Chestnut Bulbul
Black Bulbul
Pale Martin
Barn Swallow
Asian House Martin
Red-rumped Swallow
Asian Stubtail
Manchurian Bush Warbler
Brown-flanked Bush Warbler

Scientific Name
Hirundapus giganteus
Apus pacificus
Apus nipalensis
Eurystomus orientalis
Halcyon coromanda
Halcyon smyrnensis
Halcyon pileata
Alcedo atthis
Merops philippinus
Merops viridis
Upupa epops
Jynx torquilla
Pitta nympha
Pitta moluccensis
Coracina melaschistos
Pericrocotus cantonensis
Pericrocotus divaricatus
Pericrocotus solaris
Pericrocotus speciosus
Lanius tigrinus
Lanius bucephalus
Lanius cristatus
Lanius schach
Oriolus chinensis
Dicrurus macrocercus
Dicrurus leucophaeus
Dicrurus hottentottus
Hypothymis azurea
Terpsiphone paradisi
Terpsiphone atrocaudata
Urocissa erythrorhyncha
Pica pica
Corvus macrorhynchos
Parus major
Alauda arvensis
Alauda gulgula
Pycnonotus jocosus
Pycnonotus sinensis
Pycnonotus aurigasterHemixos castanonotus
Hypsipetes leucocephalus
Riparia diluta
Hirundo rustica
Delichon dasypus
Cecropis daurica
Urosphena squameiceps
Cettia canturians
Cettia fortipes

Chinese Name
褐背針尾雨燕
白腰雨燕
小白腰雨燕
三寶鳥
赤翡翠
白胸翡翠
藍翡翠
普通翠鳥
栗喉蜂虎
藍喉蜂虎
戴勝
蟻鴷
仙八色鶇
藍翅八色鶇
暗灰鵑鵙
小灰山椒鳥
灰山椒鳥
灰喉山椒鳥
赤紅山椒鳥
虎紋伯勞
牛頭伯勞
紅尾伯勞
棕背伯勞
黑枕黃鸝
黑卷尾
灰卷尾
髮冠卷尾
黑枕王鶲
壽帶
紫壽帶
紅嘴藍鵲
喜鵲
大嘴烏鴉
大山雀
雲雀
小雲雀
紅耳鵯
白頭鵯
白喉紅臀鵯
栗背短腳鵯
黑短腳鵯
淡色沙燕
家燕
煙腹毛腳燕
金腰燕
鱗頭樹鶯
日本樹鶯
強腳樹鶯

IUCN Red List Status

China Red Data Book

PRC Protected
AnimalCITES

Convention on
Fellowes et al. (2002)*
Migratory Species
LC

LC
LC

Vulnerable

Rare

Appendix II

II
II
LC
LC

LC
LC

Near Threatened

LC
LC

LC

APPENDIX I

No.
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219
220
221
222
223
224
225
226
227
228
229
230
231
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240

List of birds species recorded on Po Toi and their Conservation statuses

English Name
Mountain Tailorbird
Dusky Warbler
Radde's Warbler
Pallas's Leaf Warbler
Yellow-browed Warbler
Hume's Leaf Warbler
Arctic Warbler
Japanese Warbler
Two-barred Warbler
Pale-legged Leaf Warbler
Eastern Crowned Warbler
Goodson's Leaf Warbler
Sulphur-breasted Warbler
White-spectacled Warbler
Bianchi's Warbler
Alstom's Warbler
Chestnut-crowned Warbler
Oriental Reed Warbler
Black-browed Reed Warbler
Russet Bush Warbler
Lanceolated Warbler
Pallas's Grasshopper Warbler
Zitting Cisticola
Golden-headed Cisticola
Yellow-bellied Prinia
Plain Prinia
Common Tailorbird
Pygmy Wren-Babbler
Masked Laughingthrush
Chestnut-flanked White-eye
Japanese White-eye
Crested Myna
Common Myna
Red-billed StarlingWhite-cheeked StarlingBlack-collared Starling
Daurian Starling
Chestnut-cheeked StarlingWhite-shouldered Starling
Rosy Starling
Common StarlingBlue Whistling Thrush
Orange-headed Thrush
White's Thrush
Grey-backed Thrush
Japanese Thrush
Common Blackbird
Eyebrowed Thrush

Scientific Name
Phyllergates cucullatus
Phylloscopus fuscatus
Phylloscopus schwarzi
Phylloscopus proregulus
Phylloscopus inornatus
Phylloscopus humei
Phylloscopus borealis
Phylloscopus xanthodryas
Phylloscopus plumbeitarsus
Phylloscopus tenellipes
Phylloscopus coronatus
Phylloscopus goodsoni
Phylloscopus ricketti
Seicercus affinis
Seicercus valentini
Seicercus soror
Seicercus castaniceps
Acrocephalus orientalis
Acrocephalus bistrigiceps
Bradypterus mandelli
Locustella lanceolata
Locustella certhiola
Cisticola juncidis
Cisticola exilis
Prinia flaviventris
Prinia inornata
Orthotomus sutorius
Pnoepyga pusilla
Garrulax perspicillatus
Zosterops erythropleurus
Zosterops japonicus
Acridotheres cristatellus
Acridotheres tristis
Spodiopsar sericeus
Spodiopsar cineraceus
Gracupica nigricollis
Agropsar sturninus
Agropsar philippensis
Sturnia sinensis
Pastor roseus
Sturnus vulgaris
Myophonus caeruleus
Zoothera citrina
Zoothera aurea
Turdus hortulorum
Turdus cardis
Turdus merula
Turdus obscurus

Chinese Name
金頭縫葉鶯
褐柳鶯
巨嘴柳鶯
黃腰柳鶯
黃眉柳鶯
淡眉柳鶯
極北柳鶯
日本柳鶯
暗綠柳鶯
淡腳柳鶯
冕柳鶯
古氏[冠紋]柳鶯
黑眉柳鶯
白眶鶲鶯
比氏鶲鶯
純色尾鶲鶯
栗頭鶲鶯
東方大葦鶯
黑眉葦鶯
高山短翅鶯
矛紋蝗鶯
小蝗鶯
棕扇尾鶯
金頭扇尾鶯
黃腹鷦鶯
純色鷦鶯
長尾縫葉鶯
小鱗胸鷦鶥
黑臉噪鶥
紅脇繡眼鳥
暗綠繡眼鳥
八哥
家八哥
絲光椋鳥
灰椋鳥
黑領椋鳥
北椋鳥
紫背椋鳥
灰背椋鳥
粉紅椋鳥
紫翅椋鳥
紫嘯鶇
橙頭地鶇
虎斑地鶇
灰背鶇
烏灰鶇
烏鶇
白眉鶇

IUCN Red List Status

China Red Data BookCITES

PRC Protected
AnimalConvention on
Fellowes et al. (2002)*
Migratory Species

LC

LC
LC
LC

LC

GC
PRC
LC
LC
LC
LC

APPENDIX I

No.
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256
257
258
259
260
261
262
263
264
265
266
267
268
269
270
271
272
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288

List of birds species recorded on Po Toi and their Conservation statuses

English Name
Pale Thrush
Red-throated Thrush
Dusky Thrush
Chinese Thrush
Lesser Shortwing
Japanese Robin
Bluethroat
Siberian Rubythroat
Siberian Blue Robin
Rufous-tailed Robin
Red-flanked Bluetail
Oriental Magpie Robin
Black Redstart
Hodgson's Redstart
Daurian Redstart
Plumbeous Water Redstart
Siberian Stonechat
Grey Bush ChatBlue Rock Thrush
White-throated Rock Thrush
Brown-chested Jungle Flycatcher
Grey-streaked Flycatcher
Dark-sided Flycatcher
Asian Brown Flycatcher
Brown-breasted Flycatcher
Ferruginous Flycatcher
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher
Narcissus Flycatcher
Green-backed Flycatcher
Mugimaki Flycatcher
Rufous-gorgeted Flycatcher
Red-breasted Flycatcher
Red-throated Flycatcher
Blue-and-white Flycatcher
Zappey's Flycatcher
Verditer Flycatcher
Hainan Blue Flycatcher
Small Niltava
Grey-headed Canary-Flycatcher
Fire-breasted Flowerpecker
Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker
Fork-tailed Sunbird
Eurasian Tree Sparrow
White-rumped Munia
Scaly-breasted Munia
Forest Wagtail
Eastern Yellow Wagtail
Grey Wagtail

Scientific Name
Turdus pallidus
Turdus ruficollis
Turdus eunomus
Turdus mupinensis
Brachypteryx leucophrys
Erithacus akahige
Luscinia svecica
Luscinia calliope
Luscinia cyane
Luscinia sibilans
Tarsiger cyanurus
Copsychus saularis
Phoenicurus ochruros
Phoenicurus hodgsoni
Phoenicurus auroreus
Rhyacornis fuliginosa
Saxicola maurus
Saxicola ferreus
Monticola solitarius
Monticola gularis
Rhinomyias brunneatus
Muscicapa griseisticta
Muscicapa sibirica
Muscicapa dauurica
Muscicapa muttui
Muscicapa ferruginea
Ficedula zanthopygia
Ficedula narcissina
Ficedula elisae
Ficedula mugimaki
Ficedula strophiata
Ficedula parva
Ficedula albicilla
Cyanoptila cyanomelana
Cyanoptila cumatilis
Eumyias thalassinus
Cyornis hainanus
Niltava macgrigoriae
Culicicapa ceylonensis
Dicaeum ignipectus
Dicaeum cruentatum
Aethopyga christinae
Passer montanus
Lonchura striata
Lonchura punctulata
Dendronanthus indicus
Motacilla tschutschensis
Motacilla cinerea

Chinese Name
白腹鶇
赤頸鶇
斑鶇
寶興歌鶇
白喉短翅鶇
日本歌鴝
藍喉歌鴝
紅喉歌鴝
藍歌鴝
紅尾歌鴝
红脇藍尾鴝
鵲鴝
赭紅尾鴝
黑喉紅尾鴝
北紅尾鴝
紅尾水鴝
黑喉石(即鳥)灰林(即鳥)
藍磯鶇
白喉磯鶇
白喉林鶲
灰紋鶲
烏鶲
北灰鶲
褐胸鶲
棕尾褐鶲
白眉姬鶲
黃眉姬鶲
綠背姬鶲
鴝姬鶲
橙胸姬鶲
紅胸姬鶲
紅喉姬鶲
白腹姬鶲
銅藍鶲
海南藍仙鶲
小仙鶲
方尾鶲
紅胸啄花鳥
朱背啄花鳥
叉尾太陽鳥
樹麻雀
白腰文鳥
斑文鳥
山鶺鴒
黃鶺鴒
灰鶺鴒

IUCN Red List Status

China Red Data BookCITES

PRC Protected
AnimalConvention on
Fellowes et al. (2002)*
Migratory Species

LC

Vulnerable

Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II
Appendix II

LC
LC
LC

LC
LC

PRC

LC

APPENDIX I

No.
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311

List of birds species recorded on Po Toi and their Conservation statuses

English NameWhite Wagtail
Richard's Pipit
Olive-backed Pipit
Pechora Pipit
Rosy Pipit
Red-throated Pipit
Buff-bellied Pipit
Brambling
Grey-capped Greenfinch
Eurasian Siskin
Common Rosefinch
Chinese Grosbeak
Tristram's Bunting
Chestnut-eared Bunting
Little Bunting
Yellow-browed Bunting
Rustic Bunting
Yellow-throated Bunting
Yellow-breasted Bunting
Chestnut Bunting
Black-headed Bunting
Japanese Yellow Bunting
Black-faced Bunting

Scientific Name
Motacilla alba
Anthus richardi
Anthus hodgsoni
Anthus gustavi
Anthus roseatus
Anthus cervinus
Anthus rubescens
Fringilla montifringilla
Carduelis sinica
Carduelis spinus
Carpodacus erythrinus
Eophona migratoria
Emberiza tristrami
Emberiza fucata
Emberiza pusilla
Emberiza chrysophrys
Emberiza rustica
Emberiza elegans
Emberiza aureola
Emberiza rutila
Emberiza melanocephala
Emberiza sulphurata
Emberiza spodocephala

Chinese Name
白鶺鴒
理氏鷚
樹鷚
北鷚
粉紅胸鷚
紅喉鷚
黃腹鷚
燕雀
金翅雀
黃雀
普通朱雀
黑尾蠟嘴雀
白眉鵐
栗耳鵐
小鵐
黃眉鵐
田鵐
黃喉鵐
黃胸鵐
栗鵐
黑頭鵐
硫磺鵐
灰頭鵐

IUCN Red List Status

China Red Data BookCITES

PRC Protected
AnimalConvention on
Fellowes et al. (2002)*
Migratory Species

LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC
LC

Vulnerable

Vulnerable

Appendix I

RCGC* Fellow, J. R. et al. (2002). Wild animals to watch: terrestrial and freshwater fauna of conservation concern in Hong Kong. In Hodgkiss, I.J. (ed.). Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society, No. 19, Hong Kong. pp.123-159.
LC = Local Concern
RC = Regional Concern
PRC = Potential Regional Concern
PGC = Potential Global Concern
GC = Global Concern